I'm excited about my new Fitbit Flex. I like statistics and it keeps plenty of them, for sure! I'm really looking forward to giving it a good workout to analyze. I don't completely understand how it does what it does. It just does it--and I suppose that's all I need to know.
After last Wednesday's weigh day, I wrote about a few people saying variations of "Losing weight is easy for you." I was informed there was one comment I didn't see or reply to, and I'm so glad I went back to read what had been written. It was from a fellow blogger who understands. There are a bunch of us, bloggers or not, who get this too. She's a fellow weight loss blogger who has experienced both sides--the side of success and the side where success seems a million miles away. I've been there too, oh my, have I ever. Her comment was a spot on analysis:
"...45 and Aspiring" writes:
Olympic
figure skaters make quadruple axles look easy too. It's called
practice, training, and commitment. Not to mention innumerable falls
and occasional sliding crashes.
And you know what kills me is that it always seems easier when I'm doing it. I think, geez, what took me so long? But when I'm not doing it, it feels like I don't know where the "on" switch is.
People want to say it's easy for you so they have an excuse for themselves--"it's too hard for ME."
Crud, I find just choosing to be conscious all the time is hard, instead of being in the zombie zone and that unconscious easy eating that has kept me obese.
I've just recently come back to your blog and every time I see a tweet or FB post I think--how does he have time for all this? It took me hours to write blog posts when I did them, and I didn't have a bunch of comments to give a personal, thoughtful response to.
Yeah, it's "easy" for you, Sean, because you redesigned each part of your life--your eating, exercise, environment at home and away, your emotional responses, your take on the past and your belief about the future. It's easy for you because you publicly eviscerated yourself with long, personal posts and thereby gained a following of people who both count on you and keep you afloat, so you've kept it easy on yourself by publicizing your weight, each bite of food you eat, and spreading the "word" in a book, with nationwide motivational talks, and coaching in small groups. Next time someone says that to you, say, yes, I spend every minute of every day focused on emotional freedom and healthy living so I can make it easy to lose weight.
One of my favorite inspirational quotes is from author Annie Dillard, "because how we spend our days is how we spend our lives."
And you know what kills me is that it always seems easier when I'm doing it. I think, geez, what took me so long? But when I'm not doing it, it feels like I don't know where the "on" switch is.
People want to say it's easy for you so they have an excuse for themselves--"it's too hard for ME."
Crud, I find just choosing to be conscious all the time is hard, instead of being in the zombie zone and that unconscious easy eating that has kept me obese.
I've just recently come back to your blog and every time I see a tweet or FB post I think--how does he have time for all this? It took me hours to write blog posts when I did them, and I didn't have a bunch of comments to give a personal, thoughtful response to.
Yeah, it's "easy" for you, Sean, because you redesigned each part of your life--your eating, exercise, environment at home and away, your emotional responses, your take on the past and your belief about the future. It's easy for you because you publicly eviscerated yourself with long, personal posts and thereby gained a following of people who both count on you and keep you afloat, so you've kept it easy on yourself by publicizing your weight, each bite of food you eat, and spreading the "word" in a book, with nationwide motivational talks, and coaching in small groups. Next time someone says that to you, say, yes, I spend every minute of every day focused on emotional freedom and healthy living so I can make it easy to lose weight.
One of my favorite inspirational quotes is from author Annie Dillard, "because how we spend our days is how we spend our lives."
How incredible is that? I gave her my sincere thanks.
Today was a challenge. Coming off a weekend, Monday is a day that always seems to be a little more difficult. I worked hard this morning to get my production finished in order to leave the studio early enough to get a nap and workout in before I took a work related trip to Oklahoma City at 4pm. My plan was to jump up before 3pm, rush to the Y, get a good elliptical workout, then be ready to leave town on schedule. Then I overslept my nap. It was a nice plan. "Was" being the pivotal word.
Getting the afternoon workout would have been the thing to do. Instead, I found myself in the position of trying very hard to not be so very hard on myself for missing the opportunity. I can get it in later, I told myself. Yeah--later, when I'm getting back into town after 10pm!! That was also a nice thought. I'm exhausted. This will be a Monday without a workout. I need to be okay with this, so I'm deciding to be, okay. Seriously, I'm okay with this. I could do PiYo in my living room floor. I also have a giant Nordic Flex strength training machine in my spare bedroom--I do have options, I just don't have the time, not tonight. I need more sleep.
I enjoyed dinner at Applebee's this evening. As soon as I Tweeted about my dinner options, Applebee's verified corporate account favorited the tweet and followed me. Twitter is weird. There I was, dining solo in an Edmond, Oklahoma Applebee's carrying on a Twitter conversation with the company about my meal. This isn't unusual actually. Applebee's is really good about interacting with their customers via social media. I don't dine at Applebee's very often, maybe once a year, or every couple years. I knew they had an under 550 calorie menu--and that's what drove me there this evening. I was impressed with the selection and flavor. It was a really good meal, even though it contained in excess of 1800mg of sodium. A little pricey in the sodium department, but a good fit in my calorie budget. A Facebook friend shared that she always requests "no added salt/sodium." I wish I would have thought of that!
When it came time to enter the food into MyFitnessPal, I did find a single file representing the meal with the menu listed calories of 530. I didn't want this, I wanted each item individually listed. I requested additional information about the ingredients used in preparation and found my server and the kitchen staff very helpful. I entered every single ingredient into MFP and it came up to 532 calories, just 2 calories over the menu declaration.
I've had two good water days in a row. I consumed 10 cups on Sunday and 9 cups today. This takes the most effort for me each day. I know of some who drink much more than this, naturally. I'm unnatural in several ways! I mean that in a good way! Getting enough water, even "just enough," is a challenge each and every day.
My Tweets today:
Out of sugar free creamer. Unsweetened almond milk, a dusting of the creamer and Pyure Brands Organic Stevia. 27 cal. pic.twitter.com/TDnl4AefNW
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) September 8, 2014
Three whole eggs, two whites, cooked over-hard. Anjou pear and Fuji apple. Big breakfast! 453 cal. #goodstart pic.twitter.com/1ZuBMv1kDn
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) September 8, 2014
Bean N Cheese tostados w/mozz, tomatoes, jalapeños, lettuce, avocado (88g), sr crm (15g). Pineapple (5oz). 564 cal. pic.twitter.com/Abb6Y1NS4J
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) September 8, 2014
Traveling today. At an Applebee's for dinner. These are the choices. What would you order? pic.twitter.com/kQah9uMfRC
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) September 8, 2014
Roma Pepper Steak. Perfect 4 me. @Applebees 7oz sirloin, red pot., stuffed mushroom w/artichokes & cheese. 530 cal pic.twitter.com/W7TPoWwclm
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) September 8, 2014
I entered ingredients separately with kind assistance from kitchen staff. My count in MFP registered 532 calories. Menu said 530. Nice.
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) September 8, 2014
Medium yellow apple. #lastfoodofday 80 cal. pic.twitter.com/Gc2M9EbZwG
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) September 9, 2014
@SeanAAnderson I like the calorie budget term! Clever! ;) ~ ARN
— Applebee's (@Applebees) September 9, 2014
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
I eat out often, and have all during this journey I've been on since Dec. 2009. Salt content is tough to control, but by drinking a lot of water, I figure any gain will be temporary. I do worry about the portion size. There is a petite sliced sirloin lunch at Ruby Tuesdays. It comes with mashed potatoes and broccoli. I always worry about those mashed potatoes, sometimes the serving is quite large, sometimes smaller, which is probably truer to what it should be to come in at the reported content of 364 calories. You truly are at the mercy of the cooks, I wish I had your chutzpah and demanded more of the staff at restaurants. Be sure to try the Signature Sirloin with Garlic Herb Shrimp next time you're at Applebee's. It's very good. Did you like the stuffed mushroom?
ReplyDeleteYou're so spot on about the water offsetting the temporary sodium effect. When I make special requests, I'm very careful with my approach--never demanding, always soft--and not wanting to bother, but really in need of the information. I've found that people naturally want to help others--as long as it's truly appreciated--and it is, everybody wins!
DeleteI agree about being at the mercy of the cooks... Some places are a little more controlled--and precise...I've found it especially inconsistent at locally owned and operated non-chain places.
Oh my-I love stuffed mushroom caps. I'm not a big fan of artichokes--but it had just enough cheese to act as a buffer against that aversion. The sirloin and shrimp sounds wonderful!
Good choice, Sean!! When u posted about your Applebee's meal, that was the selection that jumped out at me. I love your post here and the blogger you quoted really does understand the phenomenon of the challenges of this journey. I need to work harder at the consistency. Doing it instead of wishing it. -Sheila
ReplyDeleteSheila,
DeleteThe mushroom cap was the tipping point for me! I was sold.
Oh my--yes, the challenges of this journey are multi-faceted... And I could totally relate with her description of how when we're not making these things important in our lives--finding the switch feels impossible.
I'll admit-- It wasn't too long ago when I couldn't imagine doing what I'm doing today. It seriously scared me because it honestly felt like I was doomed and certainly returning to 500 pounds and likely beyond. I cried tears of hopelessness, fear and regret--and now, if I sit, ponder and fully appreciate where I am today, I end up having tears of joy.
It wasn't impossible after all--and realizing this was one of the biggest reliefs I've ever felt. And you nailed it, we must do--nit wish. One step at a time, one day at a time...You can do it, Sheila---I know it's cliche--but if I can do it, you can do it. I promise that's a statement of truth, my friend.
I was on vacation last year and we stopped at an Applebees and I asked for no salt at all on the steak. The server said that since it comes to the resto frozen and pre-seasoned, the cook couldn't control the sodium. Many chains operate similarly. Another chain, I forget which one, has their meat not frozen but refridgerated and vaccum-sealed in brine. Again the cooks can't really control the salt levels in that situation either.
ReplyDeleteSleep is so vitally important. Your body decided it needed the extra rest. Sometimes your body knows what's best :)
Good points, Nikki. I bet a lot of restaurants are like this--especially the chain restaurants.
DeleteI totally agree about the sleep and the body's insistence on getting as much as it can. It does know what's best--If we just listen...I need to a little closer!
Just a thought. You might want to ponder why the "easy for you" comments in response to your 78 pound weight loss in 19 weeks has been so troubling to you.
ReplyDeleteThe evidence of that psychic distress is in the fact that you embraced the assessment that people just say it's easy for you in order to excuse themselves and your reprint of the part of that comment which admiringly detailed the efforts you make in order to get that number on the scale.
I do understand that this comment of mine is not pleasant to receive--and I am sorry about that--but this post began waving the red flag I've seen peaking out for a while now.
Shrug. I could be wrong....but just in case, do let yourself think on these things. One usually only trips over the rocks one does not see.
Respectfully and with care,
Deb
It is fine, Deb. The comments, although I'm certain had no ill intent, was offensive to me because I work very hard at doing what I do. I'm proud of my efforts. And for someone to say this is easy for me--it just hit me wrong, like it's a discounting of my efforts.
DeleteDeb, no offense to you, but you've had a tendency to read into things or jump to your own conclusions very quickly.
It isn't that your comment isn't pleasant, it's just misinformed and affected by your own stuff.
I recognized the "it's easy for you and that makes me feel better about it not being easy for me" dynamic because I've lived it, Deb. I've been on the other end of that statement too. I've done the exact same thing.
And as far me including her list of my accomplishments over the last 6 years, she didn't say anything that isn't true. I think "regional" book tour would have been more accurate, instead of "nationwide," but that's her perception. Bottom line is, I'm very proud of what I've accomplished and what I'm doing to take exceptional care. Perhaps read my reply to Sheila above-- I've been there, Deb.
I'm humble, modest, grateful and human--I'm not perfect and have never claimed to be.
With assistance in therapy, from good friends like Life Coach Gerri and many others--I stay grounded and connected, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.
Perhaps the "red flags" you mention noticing are products and reflections of your own experience or the projection of the standards you feel others should keep?
I've expressed to you before how much I've appreciated and respected your opinion and perspective. At the same time, I can't help but notice how most of the time your input is of a critical nature.
Why is that?
My best,
Sean
Hmmm. I'm sorry that you felt my comment was more a criticism than a query. It was an honest, "What's up with this?" kind of thing.
DeleteI'm not sure what conclusions you think I jumped to since I did not provide you with them. In fact, I had no conclusions--just a curiosity as to what was behind the revisiting of your friend's comments and the choice of the content you quoted. I thought it might just be an indication of a sore spot, if you will, that could cause some problems for you down the road.
I wasn't feeling negative or critical and I'm very sorry you took my concern as having that motivation.
As far my mention that my comment may not be pleasant to read--it wasn't that I thought I was being either rude or critical, it was that being encouraged to turn over stones ans discover what's under them is not always a welcome invitation. Clearly, I was right with that observation.
I wish you well, Sean.
Oh. And to finish this off. Perhaps, you don't realize that you did, indeed, answer my question in teh original comment.
DeleteThe reason the "easy for you" comment caused you the psychi distress was that you felt like you were being discounted. The reason you embraced the interpretation that your friends said what they said to get themselves off the hook was because, per you reply, you had been on the other side and had said the same thing to let yourself off of the hook. (That probably qualifies as "your stuff.")
And you quoted the content listing your efforts to defend against that discounted feeling of yours.
See? I knew there was a reason for your post and my comment about it allowed you to put the underlying issue into words: feeling discounted by another's opinion.
Signing off this time for real.
Deb, My most sincere apologies for jumping to conclusions!
Delete"See? I knew there was a reason for your post and my comment about it allowed you to put the underlying issue into words: feeling discounted by another's opinion."
Thank you for that.
My stuff, indeed! LOL ;)
I try my very best to not let things get under my skin-- and I can usually find a balance and grace in avoiding such unnecessary emotional detours--but the "it's easy for you" thing just wouldn't stop bugging me.
I appreciate your clarification--and hope you'll accept my apologies for being wrong in the tone of my original reply.
My best, Sean
I was actually over it-- her comment on that particular post came in yesterday morning, so I revisited the page. I'm surprised that it was still fresh 14 hours later when I sat down to write the post.
DeleteI suppose this might be considered a "hot button" for me. ;) I have very few of those. And now--if the owner of this company reads this, "Losing weight is so easy for you" will become a workplace punchline... Oh, my word!
You're sweet, Sean. It's okay.
DeleteIn fact, although I'm glad my comment ended up finding a hot button under that stone, I want to offer my own apology for making the original comment in the first place.
(I just got back from the hospital for a thyroid ultrasound and was turning this over in my mind as I was being tortured.)
I repeatedly forget, and am often painfully reminded, about two things.
The one thing I forget is that print has no tone of voice. I can see how an unusually forthright question or comment, without tone of voice, could be "heard" as being the result of a negative judgment and implled criticism..
And the other thing is, I was reminded that I have a propensity for forthright, and probably socially questionable, comments and questions.
It's an occupational hazard that I must overcome. I spent 20 years as a counselor. People paid me to facilitate stone turning over. They paid me to not waste their time with politically correct drivel, but to, instead, put my finger on "that spot" that was irritating them and from which they were averting their eyes.
My style has always been to ask direct questions or request that they think about what they had just said with a curious attitude.
Here's the thing: That was always done within an established safe relationship and with a nonjudgmental tone and attitude.
I forget that (1) no one is asking for me to switch on my stone turning skills, (2) there is no established safe relationship on a blog, and (3) there is no tone of voice in print, accepting or otherwise, so by default, we who have been wounded hear it in a negative voice.
Sigh.
That's a lot of forgetting and presumption on my part--and I am sorry. I will earnestly try to do better.
Deb
And, just for the record: When I asked you if on a past post your poster picture was current or past, it was because I honestly wanted to know. I am legally blind (which is why I am no longer in practice) and simply could not tell.
I sincerely appreciate the insight, Deb! Thank you. No hard feelings at all! I appreciate the insight too. You have a real talent, a gift to get to the heart of things quickly!
DeleteI will sometimes write an entire post, that if I took the time--I could likely condense the points to a paragraph and still be on target.
I've long recognized the absence of emotion, inflection and humanness in text...it's been an issue in past relationships of mine, where big misunderstandings were born from this dynamic.
Our exchange--from start to finish, could very well be a perfect example of me overlooking this truth.
Oh--lol, the picture question--Nah, I honestly didn't think anything of it... Gerri picked it on her own, actually.
I hope you're feeling better after your procedure today.
Take care, and thank you
Sean
As I mentioned on Facebook, I always (nicely) ask the waiter to ask the chef to please not add any salt. I can tell by the taste that they always comply. Sure, some meats come pre-marinated, but if you've watched any cooking shows on TV, you know how much a 'pinch' is to THEM. LOL
ReplyDeleteYou done good! :)
Gwen-- Only a couple of times have I had trouble getting a restaurant to help me navigate their offerings. I read your facebook comment after I had finished the meal and thought--- I didn't even think to ask!! I will next time.
DeleteYes, a pinch can sometimes be a dash! Thank you Gwen!!
The water tracking is interesting. I love cold water and drink it constantly. It's probably the only healthy thing I do normally and without forethought and effort. I keep a couple of Nalgene bottles in the fridge at all times and drink from them constantly. I am a big guy and have type 2 diabetes, but the one thing that I've always been lucky with is blood pressure. Mine is normally right at 120/80. This has surprised many healthcare professionals who seem to expect my blood pressure to be elevated due to my size. I can't help but wonder if my habit of drinking water all day has something to do with it. Anyway, love your posts, keep up the good fight!
ReplyDeleteBD, I would imagine you're right on the money about the water/BP connection. Certainly makes sense to me! I could use a shifted perspective on water...I sometimes "take it" room temp so I can drink it faster. I honestly believe if I made a bigger effort to change my perspective on this, I might evolve from "taking it" to "enjoying it."
DeleteThe benefits are undeniable!!
Thank you, BD, very much!! I will, sir! You too!